Parenting Guide

How to encourage toddlers to talk for the first time?

How to encourage toddlers to talk for the first time?

Fact-checked by MFine | Last Updated : November 6th, 2019

Toddlers reach one of their general milestone by talking for the first time. Parents have a huge role to play in this process. Here are a few tips to ...

How to encourage toddlers to talk for the first time?

Parents eagerly wait for the day to come when they can hear their child utter his/her first words. Helping your baby talk is not as difficult a task as it seems to be. Babies learn to talk by watching the adults around them doing it, in the same way, that they learn to walk by observing those around them walking. It is important that babies understand the difference between words, sentences, expressions and random noises and chattering. Thus, parents should keep a few things in mind while trying to teach their babies to talk.

1. Forming a mutual understanding

One of the toughest challenges that parents face while dealing with their toddlers is consoling them when they’re crying. Crying is a form of action used by babies to express themselves. Their brains are wired in such a way that crying seems to be the answer for everything! What do they do when they want food? They cry. What do they do when they want attention? They cry. Now, as a parent, your job is to calm your baby and assure them that you are listening. You need to understand what your baby wants. It is not easy to understand someone who doesn’t speak the same language as you. However, with time and by paying attention to small details, you will start understanding your baby and their needs. You need to make your baby feel like they can depend on you. This is the only way they will start talking to you; first with their crying and actions and then with words!

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2. Understanding the value of words

To help your toddlers talk, you first need to show them what it means to be able to talk. Your baby should understand that there's a difference between talking and making noise because both might feel like the same thing to them. Now, how do you differentiate between words and noise? By setting an example for them. If your babies see you talking to people and understanding what each person is saying, they will understand the value of words. Thus, try to set a good example in front of them. Do not scream or shout in front of them to get your work done for that will set a bad example and your toddler will think that crying and screaming is an easy way out, which can discourage him/her from trying to talk.

3. Do not talk gibberish

Most parents try to make their toddlers talk by speaking in a gibberish language. Other than this, they also try to change their voice and talk in a high-pitched baby voice to make their child feel closer to them. This might make you feel like your baby will connect to you and start talking early, but this is not entirely true. In fact, speaking in this way might actually have adverse effects on your baby and prevent them from reaching this milestone quickly. Therefore, speak in your original voice and use authentic words. For instance, do not make up nicknames for objects or talk in your baby’s babble to make it easier for your baby to speak. Stick to the real language, just like you would with anybody else. By increasing your child’s exposure to new words, you will be stimulating their brain activity and encouraging them to learn to talk. Your baby will slowly catch up!

4. Repeat and reward

To get your baby’s attention, you need to repeat your actions. Similarly, to get your baby to talk, you need to keep repeating your words. Parents eagerly wait for the day when their toddler finally refers to them as “mom” and “dad”. To hear “mom” and “dad”, parents constantly keep repeating these words to their toddlers; and this is the key to making them say it. Start training your kids with basic words first, then move on to short sentences, and so on. Additionally, when they learn a certain word, reward them. In fact, reward them each time they attempt to speak correctly and succeed. Rewards will encourage them to further develop their capabilities and will also make them realize that their words have value.

5. Always be patient

Finally, remember to be patient. Kids do not perform well in a worrisome atmosphere, and as a parent, you should always keep that in mind. Do not pressurize your kids to talk in front of others because talking needs courage, and it is extremely difficult for some kids to gather up this courage. Be calm while encouraging them to speak and refrain from shouting at them for not being able to speak. However, if your toddler is unable to speak after coming of a certain age, consult a speech therapist or your regular doctor. Through this entire process though, never show your kids that you are worried because it doesn’t take much time for negative emotions to transfer to them. Your kid should never feel like he/she is unable to do something and is disappointing you. Every kid is special in one way or the other, and they should be made to feel so. As parents, know the difference between encouraging and pressurizing. Communicate with your kid and understand them if you want them to understand you. For further assistance, you can always consult doctors and speech therapists who can give you tips. Download the mfine app today and consult with your city’s top paediatricians instantly!